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Focal Utopia Loaner Program

Discussion in 'Closed Loaners' started by purr1n, Sep 6, 2016.

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  1. Ice-man

    Ice-man Friend

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    Put me in for the second run. I can change plugs also if we need a balanced cable.
     
    Ice-man, Sep 7, 2016
    #21
  2. Clemmaster

    Clemmaster Friend

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    I'm leaving mine on, of course.

    I re-ordered a XX male plug, but will still install the X connector tonight, so I can enjoy them balanced. There shouldn't be much difference in sound between the older X and newer XX. Seems to have mostly to do with sturdiness.
     
    Clemmaster, Sep 7, 2016
    #22
  3. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    I use those all the time. They're my favorite due to the extra strain relief.

    Edit: I use the XX. I've had strain relief failures on the X.
     
    zerodeefex, Sep 7, 2016
    #23
  4. sphinxvc

    sphinxvc Gear Master (retired)

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    Back from a short bout of being waterboarded by work...

    Indicative Utopia schedule:
     
    Last edited: Oct 10, 2016
    sphinxvc, Sep 8, 2016
    #24
  5. Clemmaster

    Clemmaster Friend

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    Yes, I realized I ordered the older X male by mistake. The XX is on its way, I'll do the swap Friday.

    For those who want to do this on their Utopia, I advise you cut the flap at the end of the connector; it's super tight with the double thick cable and twists the cable inside the plug when screwing the 2 pieces together.
    I didn't do it yesterday but will do it when I install the XX connector.

    Do you guys solder the shield on the ground lug?
     
    Clemmaster, Sep 8, 2016
    #25
  6. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I'll solder the shield at the source end.
     
    purr1n, Sep 8, 2016
    #26
  7. Clemmaster

    Clemmaster Friend

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    Yeah, I'll connect the shield to the XLR ground lug. Didn't have a heat shrink for it... Was not prepared for a shielded cable!
     
    Clemmaster, Sep 8, 2016
    #27
  8. RKML0007

    RKML0007 Friend

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    shield soldering pic requested!

    I just twisted the shield and tinned it but didn't solder to the XLR lug, wasn't sure.
     
    RKML0007, Sep 8, 2016
    #28
  9. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    Please add me to the list if possible (Ohio)
     
    The Alchemist, Sep 11, 2016
    #29
  10. jowls

    jowls Never shitposts (please) - Friend

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    [​IMG]
     
    jowls, Sep 11, 2016
    #30
  11. Jh4db536

    Jh4db536 Friend

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    Just received Utopia from Clem tonight. Looking forward to trying it balanced :)
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    Jh4db536, Sep 12, 2016
    #31
  12. badf00d

    badf00d Friend

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    Ohio here, as well. I'm interested.
     
    badf00d, Sep 12, 2016
    #32
  13. Clemmaster

    Clemmaster Friend

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    Here's the shield connection.
    I put some electrical tape over the 3 bundled wires, to finish it properly and help with the strain relief. I would have rather used heat shrink, but it would have been a pain to do properly on first try. Norne audio uses electrical tape, too, so I guess that's fine.

    Used some Kester 44 solder (63/37). Didn't clean the flux :rolleyes:
    [​IMG]
     
    Clemmaster, Sep 13, 2016
    #33
  14. PTS

    PTS Friend

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    Expressed an interest in getting on this loaner at the Sherman Oaks meet, if I could possibly be squeezed between Clem and Jh4db536 that'd be swell. Clem is close to me, and I can pass it to Jh4db536 in person.

    Edit: I see Jh4db536 has it already - I don't want to have to ship out of LA, so I'll drop out.
     
    PTS, Sep 14, 2016
    #34
  15. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    purr1n, Sep 14, 2016
    #35
  16. PTS

    PTS Friend

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    Appreciate it, Marv - but Irvine is a bit of a trek outside the valley. I'll wait to hear these again at the November meet.
     
    PTS, Sep 14, 2016
    #36
  17. Jh4db536

    Jh4db536 Friend

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    Utopia has been transferred to its new guardian, Wfojas, this morning.
     
    Jh4db536, Sep 18, 2016
    #37
  18. Wfojas

    Wfojas Friend

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    image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg Pics on receipt.
     
    Wfojas, Sep 18, 2016
    #38
  19. Wfojas

    Wfojas Friend

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    Handed it off to @ultrabike this AM. We're running a week ahead!
     
    Wfojas, Sep 25, 2016
    #39
  20. ultrabike

    ultrabike Measurbator - Admin

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    Thanks W! And very nice to meet you! Currently just starting up with these cans spawned right out of Tiffany's diamond shop hell.
     
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2016
    ultrabike, Sep 25, 2016
    #40
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